Want to make your laundry routine a bit more efficient? Well, adding tennis balls to your dryer might just be the game-changing trick you need.
In fact, this simple addition can make a world of difference, from keeping your clothes fluffy and soft to speeding up drying times.
So if you’re wondering about why do people put tennis balls in the dryer then its pretty logical. After all, it is no less than magicโyou get both quicker and better results.
Without further ado, letโs get into details!
The Surprising Benefits of Using Tennis Balls in the Dryer
Using tennis balls in the dryer can really up your laundry game. And it’s not just for funโthere’s a pretty good reason behind this seemingly odd practice.
That is, when you toss a couple of tennis balls into your dryer, you’re doing more than just adding some extra noise. Hereโs why this simple trick works wonders:
Fluffing Up Your Laundry
Tennis balls are like little laundry cheerleaders. When they bounce around in the dryer, they help to separate your clothes, preventing them from clumping together. This keeps the fabric from getting matted and helps your laundry come out fluffier and softer.
Reduces Dryer Time
Another cool perk of using tennis balls in the dryer is that they help reduce drying time. The dryer balls bounce around, separating your clothes and allowing hot air to circulate more efficiently.ย
This means your clothes dry faster, which not only saves time but also cuts down on energy usage. Who doesnโt love a faster laundry day?
Minimizing Wrinkles
By preventing clothes from clumping together, tennis balls help to prevent wrinkles in your laundry. This can cut down on ironing time and keep your clothes looking smooth and neat.
Even Drying
Using tennis balls in the dryer helps keep clothes separated and allows for better air circulation. This ensures that everything dries more evenly, reducing the chance of damp spots and saving you from having to re-dry items.
Dealing with Bulkier Items
If youโre drying a comforter or a heavy blanket, tennis balls are especially useful. They help to keep these bulky items evenly distributed in the dryer, ensuring they dry more evenly and donโt end up with cold spots.
Eco-Friendly Alternative
Using tennis balls in the dryer is a simple, reusable alternative to dryer sheets. While dryer sheets can be single-use and contain chemicals, tennis balls can last for years and help you cut down on waste. Plus, theyโre a lot of fun to use!
Help with Pet Hair
Got pets that like to shed? Tennis balls can help with that too! When added to the dryer, they help to loosen pet hair from fabrics.
The bouncing action shakes off the fur, making it easier for your dryerโs lint trap to catch it, leaving your clothes a bit cleaner and fresher.
What Is the Right Way to Wash Clothes in This Way?
Ready to give the tennis ball trick a spin? Hereโs how to do it the right way to get the best results for your laundry:
Choose the Right Tennis Balls
First things first, not all tennis balls are created equal. Hence, make sure youโre using clean, new, or lightly used tennis balls. Old, worn-out ones might shed fuzz or leave marks on your clothes, and no one wants that!
So, if youโre worried about color transfer, opt for white or light-colored tennis balls.
Load Your Washer Wisely
Before you even think about the dryer, make sure youโre not overloading your washing machine.
Washing too many items at once can cause them to tangle, leading to uneven washing and, later, uneven drying. Therefore, give your clothes enough space to move around.
Prep Your Laundry for Drying
Once your clothes are washed, shake them out to loosen any tangled items. This is especially important for bulkier items like blankets or jackets, which tend to clump together. A good shake will help the tennis balls do their job more effectively in the dryer.
Add Tennis Balls to the Dryer
When youโre ready to dry, toss in two or three clean tennis balls along with your wet laundry. This trick works especially well with larger items like comforters, pillows, or towels, but you can use it with regular clothes too.
Set the Right Temperature
Depending on the fabric, adjust the dryerโs temperature to avoid overheating. While tennis balls can speed up drying, itโs still important to follow care instructions on your garments to prevent any damage.
A medium-to-low setting often works best, especially for delicate fabrics.
Check and Fluff
About halfway through the drying cycle, pause the dryer and check on your laundry. Give everything a fluff to make sure the tennis balls are doing their job, and rearrange any items if needed. Then, let the dryer finish the cycle.
Enjoy the Results
Once your laundry is dry, remove the items promptly to prevent wrinkles. Youโll notice that your clothes and linens come out fluffier, softer, and free of static clingโthanks to the humble tennis ball!
How Many Tennis Balls Do You Need for a Wash?
When it comes to tossing tennis balls into your dryer, you don’t need to overdo it. Typically, two to three tennis balls are enough to get the job done. These handy little tools help fluff up your laundry, reducing wrinkles and speeding up the drying process.

So, if you’re drying a large load, like a bulky comforter or a heavy jacket, go ahead and add that third ball. But for smaller loads, two tennis balls should be just fine.
Here, the basic idea is to keep things moving and ensure the air circulates freely, helping your clothes or bedding dry faster and come out softer.
Related Post: Should You Wash Dryer Balls?
What Types of Special Washing Balls Are There?
When it comes to making laundry day easier, special washing balls are your savior. They come in a variety of types, each designed to tackle different challenges.
Hereโs a fun rundown of some popular options:
Washing Machine Balls
As the name goes by, these balls are designed to be used in the washing machine. They help with agitation, which can boost cleaning efficiency and reduce the amount of detergent you need. Some are also infused with cleaning agents or detergent enzymes to tackle tough stains.
Magnetic Laundry Balls
Magnetic laundry balls are a bit high-tech. That is, they use magnets to alter the properties of water, which can help to break down dirt and grime more effectively. They’re often touted as being eco-friendly and reducing the need for extra detergent.
Foam Balls
Foam balls create a lot of movement and agitation in the wash, helping to lift dirt and grime from your clothes. Plus, theyโre particularly useful if youโre washing heavily soiled items.
Scented Laundry Balls
These balls come with a fragrance that infuses your laundry with a pleasant scent. They work similarly to dryer balls, but with the added bonus of making your clothes smell fresh.
Dryer Balls
These are usually made from rubber, plastic, or wool. Dryer balls help to separate your clothes in the dryer, allowing hot air to circulate more evenly.
They reduce drying time and can even help soften fabrics. Wool dryer balls are especially great for those who want a natural, eco-friendly option.
Related Post: Why You Should Consider Using Dryer Balls in Laundry
Wrapping Up
Next time youโre in the laundry room, consider tossing in a couple of tennis balls. This small trick can enhance your drying process, making your pillows fluffier, your clothes softer, and your drying cycle quicker.ย
Give it a shotโyou might find itโs the simple upgrade your laundry routine needs!